Illness, disease and disorders often catch those affected and their families off guard. Not only are they unprepared for, possibly distraught by, the news of its diagnosis, but they often are dumbfounded as to what to do next. Such news finds families wholly uninformed about how to address the issue and its long-term implications.

We recently wrote about long-term planning for families of children with mental health or developmental issues, such as autism. While love, commitment, patience and resilience are critical to meeting the family member’s needs, what we do from the heart only goes so far.

We suggested that many parents have not fully planned for what will happen when they’re gone and who will care for their child – financially, medically, and emotionally? “How will the child’s quality of life be maintained?” we pondered.

We explored this topic in a 2021 blog entitled, “The Challenges of Mental Health With Family Wealth.” We discussed how affluent families can face profound challenges when it comes to transferring wealth to the next generation, particularly when mental health concerns are involved. How can they ensure lifelong care and support for a child living with autism spectrum disorder, seizure disorders, developmental delays, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or issues related to addiction or substance abuse?

In this article, we’re focusing on where families can turn for guidance. Who are the people who will lend valuable insights to help the family embrace the challenges and prepare for the future? Consider…

• Discuss with your current financial advisor their – or their firm’s – capabilities in special needs financial planning. Keep in mind that this can introduce complicated issues that your current advisor might not be prepared to address. Don’t be embarrassed to seek second or third opinions.
• As you seek to integrate your family member’s needs with your greater comprehensive financial and estate planning, consider exploring…
• Healthcare-focused trusts, which can be dedicated to covering medical and mental health expenses. These structures safeguard privacy, protect assets, and ensure a reliable source of funding for ongoing care. Question corporate trust providers, as many won’t manage these types of trusts.
• Family partnerships or LLCs, which provide flexibility in allocating funds for healthcare while aligning with long-term wealth preservation and management objectives.
• Asset protection strategies can put in place ownership and legal structures to reduce exposure to future healthcare liabilities. This can be essential when planning for extensive or lifelong care needs.
• Some trust and estate attorneys and accountants have experience in special needs planning. In fact, the Florida Bar’s Special Needs Children Ad hoc Committee addresses legislation and rules to help ensure the rights of children with disabilities and/or special needs are addressed. Its members also seem to “educate and promote awareness amongst family law practitioners and the judiciary regarding the unique needs and rights of children with disabilities and/or special needs.” Learn more at https://familylawfla.org/about-us/committees/special-needs-children/. For a downloadable roster of Florida attorneys, visit https://familylawfla.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-2026.special.needs_.docx
• If you’re facing a crisis, 211 – or org – is a non-emergency helpline to provide information, referrals and connections from local health and human services organisations. Along with helping find food, housing, and utility assistance, it can connect those in need with healthcare, mental health, and crisis intervention services.

This isn’t just for children. An accident can leave any person at any age incapacitated and unable to make critical life, health and business decisions. Beyond you, your spouse’s or your able-minded and -bodied children’s own advance directives and supporting legal documents, consider a special needs trust.

Remember, there is no stigma in searching for answers for the care of your special needs family member. The only shame is in knowing there are needs that must be met – and not addressing them as early as possible. If you feel lost or the challenge seems too great, give me a call. I’ve worked with high-net worth families with children, siblings, even parents facing serious mental health issues. Let’s get you the answers you need.